Alcohol & Board Games: How to Really Survive Hurricane Sandy

Now that we’re just hours away from the 2^nd largest hurricane to ever strike the Northeast, and all you’re survival kit items are well accounted for, it’s time to take stock in the true essentials to survive a hurricane.  Sure, flashlights, extra water, and non-perishable food items are beneficial, but there are a few things you may not have thought of, and that if you act fast, you still might be able to get before Sandy unleashes the full measure of her furry. 

1. Alcohol- I’ve waxed poetically about the abundant benefits of alcohol before on The Lunch Break, but never is the sweet elixir, in all its beautiful forms, more essential than in a time of crisis.  For this item, I think it’s essential to break down the different forms of alcohol for the appropriate moments throughout the hurricane’s stages:

A. Beer- Beer, Beer, Beer, tidily Beer, Beer, Beer… Beer is good for all occasions, but it’s especially good in the early hours of the storm, before the real disaster strikes.  To manage the dripping malaise of the initial rain, a few beers coupled with some pretzels is perfect to relax you for the impending chaos of high winds, fallen trees, and no electricity.

B. Whiskey- When the proverbial poop hits the proverbial fan, and it’s time for you to take action, you’re going to need some additional chutzpa to properly handle the situation.  I’m not saying you should down the whole bottle, but if you’re going to keep your wits about you, taking a shot or two couldn’t hurt to help manage your nerves.

C. Wine- Finally, once you’ve handled the worse of the storm and the electricity is officially out, and you’re forced to sit in a darkened room, lit only by a few candles, it’s time to turn to some wine.  Wine is especially good because it doesn’t need to be cold, so you can enjoy it well after your fridge has lost its cooling value.  Plus, a glass of wine with a significant other can turn a natural disaster into a romantic evening.

2. Board Games- When we were young, before the soul-crushing responsibility of work interfered with our naïve innocence, my brothers and I would entertain ourselves in a litany of ways.  Sports, tag, and TV were always preferred, but when it was too hot, or the five channels of basic television ceased being enjoyable, we resorted to the plethora of board games our mother had procured over the years.  Nothing makes time fly by quicker than a few heated matches of the game of your choice, and since you can bank on not having any electricity for a few hours or even a few days, you might want to pick up some board games from the local K-Mart of your parent’s house if you don’t have your own.  Again, I think it best to strategically outline the most appropriate games for the most appropriate times:

A. Scrabble- While you’re still lucid and only drinking beers, forming words will still be manageable.  I know most people today are more comfortable using Words With Friends, but that won’t be possible once the power’s out, so it’s time to reclaim your parents’ board and start creating some words. 

B. Trivia Pursuit/Monopoly- While Trivia Pursuit may be a bit of a stretch, if there’s any wisdom in Cliff Clavin’s words, you only become smarter as you drink, then you should be able to manage.  Assuming it becomes too much of a struggle to remember obscure facts of history, arts, and politics, Monopoly may be your best bet.  Assuming you can still roll dice, move little figurines in a square pattern, and do basic math, Monopoly is a game you’ll certainly be able to enjoy for hours straight.

C. Jenga- Even after all basic brain function has dissipated, you’ll hopefully still have enough fundamental motor skills to carefully move small blocks of wood and strategically stack them atop of each other.  If you’re feeling exceptionally adventurous and think the standard rules of Jenga are too simple, then mix it up by playing with your feet instead. 

This hurricane is nothing to make light of, and it’s certainly important for you to be prepared.  However, the biggest threat most of you are likely to endure is extreme boredom after your electricity goes out.  So don’t take any risks.  I just heard that the storm is moving faster and is expected to make landfall sooner than expected, so don’t waste any more time and go pick up some Beer, Whiskey, Wine and Scrabble, Monopoly, and Jenga if you want be truly safe.    

Patrick Edmonds is a co-founder, editor, and writer for/of The Lunch Break.  His passions include Food, Arts & Entertainment, and Education.  You can follow Patrick Edmonds on facebook and on Twitter @patrickedmonds1. 

Comments

[James Dugan]

When things get really blurry either by the rain, tears or alcohol (the three should be indistinguishable when a true tragedy occurs), resort to uno. This is an easy to follow game that humans almost have an instinct to perform. I was writing something just like this on Sunday but never finished. I am glad you did. We forget the closeness and power of feeling helpless and mother nature helps us remember. I hope you are safe and have power. Cold cuts for lunch.